What's goin on ppl. Recently I made the decision fully pursue my goal of becoming a filmmaker. I know there's plenty of ways to begin this process(which is my problem) but I chose to start by selecting a camera. I'm looking into getting a canon vixia hv30 HD but could still use some advice. Working with a $900- budget I would greatly appreciate any advice/help on what would be a good choice. Thanks in advance!
S.o.s.
- Thread starter Wesmith829
- Start date
If you're looking to spend $900 total on the camera, look towards either cheap DSLRs (Canon T4i, Panasonic GH2, Canon 60D); or something like a Canon HV40 (updated version of the HV30), or Panasonic HS900. It be ideal to look towards something with a AVCHD (MPEG4) codec as opposed to HDV (MPEG2).
W.E. - welcome to the world of filmmaking. You might want to read up on the advantages/advantages of recording/editing on HDV tape vs solid state as well as the pros and cons of large sensor vs small sensor cameras (like the HV40) before you make a buying decision.
The HV40 is a 2009 camera - a lot of things have changed in the last 3 years.
Good luck with your decision,
Bill
The HV40 is a 2009 camera - a lot of things have changed in the last 3 years.
Good luck with your decision,
Bill
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But you have nothing budgeted for sound.
Your film will only look as good as it sounds, becuase "Sound is half of the experience."
So your very first chore after getting the camera is to find an audio partner, or dig up another $1,000 for audio gear.
Your film will only look as good as it sounds, becuase "Sound is half of the experience."
So your very first chore after getting the camera is to find an audio partner, or dig up another $1,000 for audio gear.
Here is a guy who made a feature film with an HV30: https://vimeo.com/38492106
In the notes on his vimeo page he says,
"It is unreal how much has changed in the Indie film world since we made this movie. The DSLR revolution has occured and changed everything. It is tough not to wonder how our production would have gone with a MARK IV or even a T3i. I have since started using LED lights as well and those have greatly affected the set-up/take down time as well as the comfort during filming in such a positive way."
If an HDV camcorder is all that's available - please go out and shoot with it. But I don't think that anyone starting out in low budget filmmaking today (who has a choice), would buy an HDV camcorder.
Again, hope this is helpful,
Bill
P.S. - it's a great little film, after a few minutes, I forgot that it was shot on a small sensor camcorder
In the notes on his vimeo page he says,
"It is unreal how much has changed in the Indie film world since we made this movie. The DSLR revolution has occured and changed everything. It is tough not to wonder how our production would have gone with a MARK IV or even a T3i. I have since started using LED lights as well and those have greatly affected the set-up/take down time as well as the comfort during filming in such a positive way."
If an HDV camcorder is all that's available - please go out and shoot with it. But I don't think that anyone starting out in low budget filmmaking today (who has a choice), would buy an HDV camcorder.
Again, hope this is helpful,
Bill
P.S. - it's a great little film, after a few minutes, I forgot that it was shot on a small sensor camcorder
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i appreciate all the info fellas. like i said im new to this whole process dealing with equipment; im still working with concepts/writing but apparently i got alot to learn about equipment. but still i thank you